The Boss List

The 49 Most Influential Men Of 2015

When we sat down to come up with The Boss List, we boiled things down to a simple question: Who influences the influencers?

So we tapped the leaders in fashion, fitness and tech to nominate the men who moved the needle this year and made a major difference in their lives — and yours. We asked them to tell us about the prolific men that aren’t just dope but somehow find a way to radiate their greatness to the masses. You know, like a boss. We rounded up their picks, coupled with nominations from AskMen staff across categories like Sports and Fitness, Style and Grooming, Science, Tech and Entertainment, and began putting together The Boss List.

Now, what makes a Boss? By our definition, this is the title reserved for the guys that are not only killin’ the game in their respective field but spreading the love so that everyone wins. These guys earned their spot on the list because they affect the way the rest of us live. They influence the way we dress, work out, party and explore the world. They are the trendsetters, the tastemakers, the trailblazers. They are the men you look to when you decide to “boss your life up.” Let’s all thank them in advance.

We ranked the list based on a few different factors — like how many times someone was nominated, their overall impact and their social influence. Some names may be more "household" than others, but there are no bench players here. This is a strictly all-star squad.

Here’s the list. Argue amongst yourselves. Or with us. It’s more fun that way. We’ll meet you on guyQ.

(If you must, you can jump to the top 10 here. You can also get to know the panelists here.)

49. Stephen Colbert - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Since taking over for Letterman, Stephen Colbert has found his sweet spot among the titans of late-night TV, and, let’s face it, he should just stick around, Letterman-style, for as many decades as possible. Now that all the hosts are officially of the new school, we can say it: Letterman and Leno hadn’t been funny for ages. Thank God for the new era.

48. Michael B. Jordan - The Boss List 2015 Edition

It’s become a movie junket cliché for an actor to talk about training hard to become a real fighter. But is that so wrong? Jordan’s the latest to trot out the platitudes about how grueling it is to become a boxer, but it's not like he had much of a choice. Michael B. Jordan finally found himself a hit role in Creed. He’s playing Adonis Johnson Creed, Apollo Creed’s son. If ever there were a time for twice-daily gym sessions, this would be it.

47. Bill Simmons - The Boss List 2015 Edition

What happens when you get fired by ESPN? You start an insanely popular podcasting network called BSPN and steal all the best talent from your former employer. And, for good measure, you interview President Barack Obama and have him compare himself to both Aaron Rodgers and Michael Jordan. During an age in which everyone in media is replaceable, Bill Simmons proves, again and again, that he's a unique talent and a true boss.

46. Future - The Boss List 2015 Edition

You have to have more than a little self-confidence to call yourself "Future," but the Southern rapper has done nothing but back up his moniker since his first full-length album, Pluto, dropped in 2012. Add to that 2015's DS2, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and What a Time to Be Alive, his collaboration with Drake that debuted at No. 1, and you have to tip your hat to the man.

45. Carey Price - The Boss List 2015 Edition

The insanely talented Price finally put to rest doubters' questions about whether he'd ever put it all together after winning Olympic gold with Team Canada in 2014; then he took home every individual award a goaltender could be eligible for in 2015, including all the ones where he was competing against forwards and defensemen. Then the son of a British Columbia First Nations chief used his MVP acceptance speech as a platform to inspire Canada's aboriginal youth — and four months later donated $10,000 in hockey equipment to youth hockey programs where he grew up.

44. Jonah Peretti - The Boss List 2015 Edition

The internet wouldn't be the internet without BuzzFeed. Jonah Peretti won over millennials using GIFs and listicles, but pushed the property into a hard pivot over the past year, ramping up production of stellar original reporting and investigative journalism. When BuzzFeed makes a shift, the rest of the industry has to react. Deal with it.

43. Bernie Sanders - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Who would have thought that the old white dude would be the coolest guy in the American presidential race? But here’s Bernie Sanders, the 74-year-old senator from Vermont who yells like an old uncle at a barbecue and gets a cosign in the form of an impassioned speech by a rapper named Killer Mike. Not only is Bernie astutely looking to fight for the middle class, arguing that putting kids in massive debt for going to college is stupid, but he's also not afraid to get onstage and remind the world that we really were tired of hearing about Clinton’s damn emails.

42. Bear Grylls - The Boss List 2015 Edition

No one makes us feel inadequate in the man department as consistently as Bear Grylls. Who else can say they've survived a malfunctioning parachute, conquered Everest and eaten every type of bug, twice? Add to that the fact that he's a bestselling author, internationally recognized television personality and the youngest Chief Scout in the history of Britain's Scout Association and you'll start to understand our angst. And who else on the planet could get the sitting president of the United States this close to drinking his own pee?

41. Mark Zuckerberg - The Boss List 2015 Edition

The Zuck was having a big year before he decided to give away a $45bn fortune. Daily video views on Facebook reached a global peak of 4 billion this year and Zuckerberg launched the Notify app to give you a potentially endless series of news updates; increasingly, the platform is the lens through which we view the world and entertain ourselves. The new father also announced that he was taking a long period of paternity leave and extended his employees' paternity from four weeks to four months. And then, to cap it all off, he announced that he was channelling 99% of his shares into non-profit causes via the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. We can quibble about whether it's truly a charitable organisation, whether it's a PR screen to divert attention away from Facebook's anti-privacy reputation, but there is one thing we have to agree on. This guy is changing the world.

40. David Beckham - The Boss List 2015 Edition

When People magazine named him the Sexiest Man Alive for 2015, a lot of people were like, “Again?” Because honestly, dude’s been around, and been really, really good-looking, for decades now. But no, this was his first trophy of this kind, and, according to him, “the best moment of my career.” The whole soccer thing was more of a lead-up.

39. Edward Snowden - The Boss List 2015 Edition

2015 was the year that Edward Snowden joined Twitter (and revealed a pretty spot-on sense of humor), and 2016 may be the year he gets to leave Russia and live in the European Union. He’s become the global authority on digital privacy, basically writing his own ticket for the rest of his life. Would-be whistleblowers, this is how it’s done.

38. Kevin Curry - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Going to the gym on the regs is hard enough — and now you’re telling us we have to cook our own food, too? Kevin Curry’s Fit Men Cook Instagram feed will help you make the nutritional connections you need to lose weight and get fit. His million-plus followers can vouch for his common-sense style.

37. Hideo Kojima - The Boss List 2015 Edition

The gaming world was stunned by the news this year that Kojima was teaming up with director Guillermo del Toro. But when Konami canceled the project, and Hideo Kojima left Konami, where he’s worked since 1986 developing the Metal Gear Solid series, that was even more of a shock. What’s next for Kojima? His non-compete clause with Konami ends at the end of 2015, so we’ll find out soon enough.

36. Lean Machines - The Boss List 2015 Edition

John Chapman and Leon Bustin are YouTube trainers and nutritionists who make food and fitness accessible to the masses — with a sense of humor. With over 250,000 followers on YouTube, they say, “Our biggest video has always been 'Funny Things That Happen in Gyms,' that has half a million views but equally our video this year, 'How to Lose Stubborn Belly Fat' has 125,000 views at the moment."

35. Alessandro Michele - The Boss List 2015 Edition

In just a few seasons, Gucci’s new creative director, Alessandro Michele, has made the brand super-relevant again. It’s like the Tom Ford days all over again, except more eccentric this time. If you’re in the market for fashion that screams, “I’m mysterious — and also rich!” this guy has you in mind.

34. Chris Pratt - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Damn you, Chris Pratt. Making it look easy to transform from kinda-chubby regular guy to every girlfriend’s hall pass — not cool. From his humble origins living in a van in Maui to his current hot streak — the Jurassic Park franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Magnificent Seven reboot — that may indeed never end.

33. Craig David - The Boss List 2015 Edition

This guy really defines what it means to reinvent yourself. A decade after his music career peaked, garage MC David is back on the scene, touting his #eatcleantraindirty regiment and sporting bulging biceps and a fit body — to the point he’s become an internet sensation, or should I say “fitspiration!”

32. Travis Kalanick - The Boss List 2015 Edition

However you feel about the sharing economy — and if you’re a cabbie, you probably hate it — it has changed the way you think about work. Kalanick is one of the masterminds behind the paradigm shift. In a matter of only a few years, the Uber brand has become as synonymous with taxis as Kleenex is with tissues.

31. Todd Howard - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Gamers know that when they’re in the hands of a master like Todd Howard, there are going to be surprises. He planned yet another epic experience with the recently released Fallout 4, taking the gameplay under water. Needless to say, this is the game release of the year.

30. Neil deGrasse Tyson - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Neil deGrasse Tyson is our generation's Carl Sagan, which is to say he is single-handedly making science cool for the masses, inspiring countless young men and women to cultivate a love of curiosity for its own sake. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences has recognized this, awarding him their Public Welfare Medal earlier this year for his contributions. Catch him on his new series, Star Talk, on the National Geographic Channel, where he continues to share his infectious love of all things science.

28. Francois Hollande - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Hollande was not elected to be a wartime president, but since the attacks in Paris in November (and on the Charlie Hebdo offices in January), that’s what he has become. On November 13th, he had the strength to mobilize a swift reaction but also had the strength to let his emotions show. France is poised to be at the center of the fight against the Islamic State, and Hollande’s moves in the months to come are going to set the tone.

27. Andy Stumpf - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Since he retired from the Navy SEALs, Andy Stumpf has won acclaim as a BASE jumper and athlete. He’s now raising money to donate to Navy SEAL Survivor Support Program by attempting record-breaking jumps. If you’re looking for a role model and motivator, he’s probably your guy.

26. Calvin Harris & Tiesto - The Boss List 2015 Edition

In 2015, Calvin Harris surpassed Tiesto as the highest-paid DJ in the world. Harris’ net worth is now estimated at $110 million to Tiesto’s $105 million. Who says a career in music can’t pay? The party people have spoken, and they want more EDM.

25. Dan Price - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Nobody else was doing it, but he did: Earlier this year, Price raised his company’s minimum wage to $70K. He caused a sensation and caught hell from Rush Limbaugh, but Price truly went all in, investing all his savings into the business and living on his wage just like everyone else.

24. Conor McGregor - The Boss List 2015 Edition

If Conor McGregor could win a fight with his mouth, he most certainly would. His trash talk is legendary. Unfortunately for other fighters, he's just as gifted with his fists. Mixed martial arts has become a cultural force unto itself, and so the sport's biggest names — like McGregor, the Irish featherweight fighter — are catapulted into the limelight. McGregor's bout versus No. 1 contender Chad Mendes earlier this year drew a UFC-record $7.2 million gate, and fans got their money's worth when McGregor, the most stylish man in MMA, won the bout in the final three seconds of the second round. Expect to see much more of the Pride of Ireland in the years to come — even if you're only watching his explosive highlights on YouTube.

23. Felix Kjellberg (@pewdiepie) - The Boss List 2015 Edition

In September 2015, PewDiePie’s YouTube channel, where he reviews games and uploads comedy vlogs, was the platform’s first to reach 10 billion views. You could call it the revenge of the nerds, except at this point the nerds are in charge anyway. In 2016, it’s going to be total nerd domination.

22. Guy Valentino - The Boss List 2015 Edition

How many pull-ups can you do? Five? Twenty-five? Twenty-five is pretty good. Most guys would be rightfully proud of that number. Then there's Marine veteran and giant-shouldered human Guy Valentino, who set the record in 2015 with 5,862 pull-ups in a 24-hour period.

21. Jason Strauss & Noah Tepperberg - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Ten years ago, Vegas was a different place — more about gambling than about partying, more about retirees than spring breakers. TAO nightclub was part of the wave that changed Vegas’ image, and Jason Strauss and Noah Tepperberg, founders of Strategic Hospitality Group, are the dynamic duo behind it all. This year, TAO celebrates a decade in a business about as fickle as they come.

20. Olivier Rousteing - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Balmain has not always been the kind of brand that rappers name-drop. But then Rousteing took over, and now Balmain’s suddenly associated with Nicki Minaj. The brand has completely shed its old-school image and launched a global frenzy around its recent collaboration with H&M.

19. Barack Obama - The Boss List 2015 Edition

President Obama is living proof that you can be anything you want in life and look good doing it. What will be Obama’s legacy? Will it be Obamacare? Killing Bin Laden? Managing somehow to work with the most uncooperative and partisan legislature in American history? Being one of the most stylish presidents in American history? There’s a lot to choose from. Thanks, Obama.

18. Lebron James - The Boss List 2015 Edition

He’s been called many things — the Chosen One, the Whore of Akron, King James — but as of November 2015, he’ll always be the youngest NBA player to ever reach 25,000 points. Not only did LeBron carry his team to the Finals this year, but when the NBA All-Star Game coincided with New York’s Fashion Week, James produced the NBA’s first All-Star All-Style fashion show. If this sports thing doesn't work out, he's definitely got a future in fashion.

17. Ta-Nehisi Coates - The Boss List 2015 Edition

The only problem with public intellectuals as prolific and accessible as Coates is that it’s easy for ignorant people to pretend they’re up on him without actually considering the true weight of his work. What we’re trying to say is: Read him. Race in America is a tangled, painful topic, and if no one else can guide you through it in 2016, he can.

16. Tom Brady - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Tom Brady put critics and scandals alike behind him when he led his New England Patriots to Super Bowl glory last year, and he's spent this season continuing to build what is arguably one of football's greatest legacies. With the Pats sitting a comfortable 10-1, and Brady leading the field in Pro Bowl voting, this is shaping up to be another great year for football's greatest quarterback.

15. Trevor Noah - The Boss List 2015 Edition

We were worried for Trevor Noah, we really were. How was this guy going to follow Jon Stewart and not disappoint? Who would voluntarily put themselves in that position? A dude with the required chops, it would appear. Trevor Noah is the future. Jon Stewart was the past. Anyone who can’t accept that is probably over 50.

13. Daniel Murphy - The Boss List 2015 Edition

It remains to be seen whether Daniel Murphy will remain a Met after this year, but one thing is for certain — his 2015 performance was one for the ages. Just consider: In September, he surpassed Ed Kranepool for second-most doubles in Mets' franchise history; he hit home runs in six consecutive postseason games, a Major League record; and he broke Mike Piazza's record for most home runs in the postseason. No wonder he was named the NLCS MVP.

12. Alan Stern - The Boss List 2015 Edition

After nine years and over 3 billion miles, the New Horizons spacecraft — the first man-made object to visit Pluto — went through a target-area so small it was like "hitting a golf ball from New York to Los Angeles and nailing a hole-in-one." Although New Horizons was a massive undertaking, with many talented men and women involved, Stern was the principal investigator, and should be given a nod for helping see the incredible scientific achievement through.

11. Nick Wooster - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Are you a man who’s begun wearing tapered pants over the past couple years? Do you know what a pea coat is? Are you sometimes vaguely aware that you should get a better pair of shoes? If any of the above is true, you have Nick Wooster to thank. He’s one of the biggest influencers in men’s fashion, and he’s not even a designer. He’s just a guy with extremely good taste.

10. Aziz Ansari - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Aziz Ansari has long been a household name for his supporting TV roles and standup comedy specials, but he’s always been the goofy friend, not the central dude. Master of None changes that, and not a moment too soon. The guy’s an auteur, bringing a young vision of real-world diversity that TV desperately needs.

9. Justin Trudeau - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Canada's newly appointed 23rd Prime Minister has wasted no time living up to his lofty campaign promises, first by making gender equity a priority in selecting his cabinet (#becauseits2015) and then by attempting to repair relations with Canada's indigenous peoples. He's letting in Syrian refugees when other nations waffle and it's also widely believed that he will push for marijuana legalization. What more can we say? The man is full of good ideas.

8. Satya Nadella - The Boss List 2015 Edition

When Satya Nadella took over from Steve Ballmer as CEO of Microsoft in 2014, the company that once seemed synonymous with home computing was languishing, having spent the better part of the last decade playing second fiddle to Steve Jobs and Apple. Nadella was promoted to shake things up, and that is just what he has done, spearheading innovative new projects like the Hololens, which promises to usher in a new way of interacting with our devices.

7. Drake - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Drake got it wrong on his song "Legend" — "Oh my God, oh my God, if I die, I'm a legend." — because, let's be honest, he doesn't even need to die to attain legend status. He started from the bottom; now he's here. Here being the most globally streamed artist on Spotify in 2015. He went from 0 to 100 real quick, real quick. Oh, and he's going baaack to back. The Canadian ex-TV actor has scaled mountains to become one of the world's premier entertainers in the past few years. A propensity for hitting just the right emotional topics on songs, an ability to cater to women while still appealing to men, a charming love for his hometown, and a straight-up game-changing ability to both rap and sing the hook have rocketed Drake to the cultural forefront.

6. Odell Beckham Jr. - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Last year, OBJ became famous for a one-handed TD catch that instantly went down in history as one of football’s greatest. And his hair. And his style. And because he was the first guy doing the "Whip" dance in the end zone. His name has become NFL shorthand for “guy who can catch.” The New York Giants' wide receiver has redrawn the boundaries of what’s a possible completed pass. But that’s not all he can do — his TD dances are worthy of their own nickname. Watch him Whip.

5. Elon Musk - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Sustainable technology and space travel innovator extraordinaire Elon Musk recently announced that he’s seeking new coders to work at Tesla, and that he will be conducting interviews himself. Not surprising for someone whose level of obsessive control is positively Steve Jobsian.

4. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - The Boss List 2015 Edition

The Rock (a.k.a. Dwayne Johnson)’s career has been on a skyward trajectory for the past decade. Colossal global movie franchise? Fast and Furious 8 is out next year. Hit TV show? HBO’s Ballers was a hit this year and has already been renewed for a second season. Massive social media following? Naturally. Now the San Andreas actor is speaking out on mental health, urging men to seek help when they need it. That’s what we call a boss move.

3. Pope Francis - The Boss List 2015 Edition

As the spiritual leader of somewhere around 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, few individuals have as total a claim on the title “boss” as Pope Francis. Since becoming Pope in 2013, he has pushed the church in a progressive new direction, preaching tolerance and peace in a time of deep cultural divides. In his first official visit to the United States this past September, he used his platform to speak about the important role of immigrants in America and the urgent need to address climate change.

2. J.J. Abrams - The Boss List 2015 Edition

The reigning emperor of the geeks. The 49-year-old director J.J. Abrams has been tasked with awakening the somewhat dormant money-making machine known as Star Wars. The self-proclaimed sci-fi nerd was hesitant to take on the project, but was convinced when he realized that there were still a lot of mysteries left in that galaxy far, far away (seriously, though, where's Luke?). And considering that The Force Awakens will probably out-earn most movies this year — before it even hits screens — Disney should know that the empire is in good hands.

1. Steph Curry - The Boss List 2015 Edition

What Stephen Curry has been doing to the NBA just is not fair. He's not only figured out a way to usurp LeBron James for the title of World's Best Basketball Player, but he's also somehow made firing 3-pointers just as exciting as any slam dunk. His 37 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals is now the stuff of legend. More incredible than his shooting abilities was the way he broke open that game and propelled the Golden State Warriors past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first championship since 1975. Aside from being the league's MVP and most prolific scoring threat, Curry is locked into a lucrative deal with Under Armour through 2024. Nothing is stopping him.

Steve Weatherford - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Let’s put it this way: Have you ever made $51,000 for one week’s work? No? Cool, well ex-New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford did when he suited up for the New York Jets for one game earlier this season. But he’s much more than that: Dude was pound-for-pound the most ripped guy in the NFL. That’s right. It wasn't a running back or a linebacker. This two-time Super Bowl champ and nine-year vet is a kicker who can bench 375 pounds.

Theses guys are the 24-year-old owners of UNILAD, the "lad culture" phenomenon that has sky-rocketed to 9.7 million likes on Facebook. If you laughed so hard at a video in your feed this morning that the milk from your cereal came out through your nostrils (and it wasn’t an AskMen one), chances are these guys are responsible. Now branching out into creating more news-led content, the entrepreneur duo have the eyes and ears of a generation on them.

Sabir M. Peele - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

When you can dress — like, really dress — you’re going to get some attention. But when that attention comes in the form of style co-signs from Esquire, who listed Sabir M. Peele among America’s best dressed men in 2010 and GQ, who slotted him in as one of fall’s best dressed in 2013, that pretty much cements your stake as an expert in the game. Peele, a men’s lifestyle blogger and founder of MensStylePro.com, is the kind of guy whose Instagram you check for inspiration before you get dressed in the morning. He’s that kind of fresh.

Alex Simmons - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

As UK Editor-in-Chief of IGN, the biggest entertainment site in the world, Simmons — who also runs PC Mag in the UK — is one of the most influential figures in the gaming industry. IGN has 26 editions globally and 70 million gamers who visit the site for news and reviews every month.

Joe Wicks - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Also known as the Body Coach, Wicks is a daily PT and nutritionist on your Instagram feed, and offers videos of simple, effective workouts and easy, healthy meals. He’s a leading voice in the campaign to eat healthy fats and doesn’t believe in “diets," nor does he believe in constantly depriving yourself of burgers and desserts. His #LeanIn15 approach saw him hit 500,000 followers on Instagram this year, with another 82,000 following his every word on Twitter. His first recipe book, released just after Christmas, hit No. 1 on Amazon on the strength of pre-orders alone.

Chris John Millington - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

One of the most talked-about style bloggers and models around, this sartorial Scot’s much-photographed facial hair is nothing short of iconic. Millington has campaigns for Diesel, Reiss and River Island under his belt, but he is also a photographer in his own right and runs his own style blog at Forgetfashion.com. Close to half a million people follow him on Instagram for style inspiration.

Marcus Jaye - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

One of the most distinctive style writers on the web (and not just because he wears a gigantic, ginger papier maché head), Jaye runs the Chic Geek, an online style magazine for men interested in their personal appearance. Check out his Geekipedia, a useful glossary of bewildering menswear terminology, or his own style bible, The Chic Geek’s Fashion, Grooming and Style Guide For Men.

Neil Moffitt - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

It’s one thing to run a popular nightclub, but when the biggest DJs in the world will only play at your clubs, you’re definitely doing something right. CEO of Hakkasan Group, Neil Moffitt is the Las Vegas nightlife and hospitality mogul behind Hakkasan and Omnia and has an eye on expansion into hotels, too. This is a guy who can pay $200K to book Tiesto for a night, and he just announced a three-year exclusive partnership with Calvin Harris.

Dave Grutman - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

Dave Grutman is, quite simply, the king of Miami hospitality. Recognized by Rolling Stone magazine last year as being one of the most important people in EDM, Grutman is the owner of LIV and Story, two Miami nightclubs that dominated the scene this year, turning impressive profits. Grutman is opening a new restaurant, Komodo, in Brickell, Miami this December.

Lance Fresh - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

If the NBA is at the forefront of the fashion evolution in sports, consider Lance Fresh the Curator of Cool. The Brooklyn-born former TV producer-turned-style expert carved his own niche, looking past the 'X’s and 'O’s and instead analyzing the best and worst outfits, sneakers and overall freshness of the world’s most idolized ballers for NBA TV, TNT and Bleacher Report. You’ve got to tip your fedora to a guy who influences the influencers.

Ross Edgley - Panelist - The Boss List 2015 Edition

A former athlete who competed in swimming and water polo events for Great Britain, Edgley is now a fitness model and writer. Having co-founded his own supplement business, The Protein Works, he regularly writes for AskMen and is forever subjecting his own body to various endurance races, training regimes and fitness experiments.